Alice faces chicken pox spike

The Northern Territory Health Department says there is an outbreak of chicken pox in Alice Springs.

Dr Teem Wing Yip from the Centre for Disease Control says it is not unusual for people to catch the disease at this time of the year.

She recommends anyone with a rash-like illness to stay home from work or school and see a doctor.

"We're really encouraging people to get their immunisations on time," she said.

"There is a chicken pox vaccine for all babies who are 18 months old and for all 13 year olds who haven't had the disease and also the vaccine is available for other people, especially adults who haven't had the disease."